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Nigeria floods kill 21 in Niger state after heavy rains
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
Canada's GDP contracts by 0.2% in February, slight growth likely in March
Reuters
Canada’s economy contracted 0.2 % in February, its first monthly decline since November, as slumps in mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction dragged overall output lower, Statistics Canada said.
Canada’s economy contracted by 0.2 percent in February, the first monthly decline since November, as weakness in mining, oil and gas extraction and construction offset gains elsewhere, Statistics Canada reported on Wednesday.
The goods-producing side of the economy shrank 0.6 percent, led by a 2.5 percent slide in mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction after two months of growth. Construction fell 0.5 percent—its first drop in four months—driven largely by a 0.9 percent decline in residential building activity. Service-producing industries edged down 0.1 percent, with modest pullbacks in real-estate rental and leasing, finance and insurance, and education.
Statistics Canada said harsh winter storms in several provinces contributed to February’s weakness. Businesses also faced softer demand after earlier stocking up on supplies amid uncertainty over potential U.S. tariffs; those advance purchases have left inventories high and dampened new orders.
Analysts had expected February output to be flat, matching the agency’s advance reading. January GDP had climbed 0.4 percent.
StatCan’s early estimate points to a 0.1 percent expansion in March and annualised first-quarter growth of about 1.5 percent, though final quarterly figures—calculated from expenditure and income data—may differ slightly.
While strong consumer spending and lower interest rates lifted growth late last year, the Bank of Canada warns that 2025 could prove challenging as the economy contends with U.S. duties on steel, aluminium, autos and other goods.
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Turkic world think tanks gather in northern Cyprus for strategic forum
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
05:00
Morocco fights Tangier wildfires as heat, winds fuel spread
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
04:00
Macron visits Singapore for defense, AI and trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
03:30
Bessent: Big trade deals near, Trump-Xi call could happen soon
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
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